My father-in-law recently gave me a 4/4 plank of Afzelia. I was planing it down and noticed blue/green staining. I assume this is mold. This gorgeous plank was subjected to a couple of Saskatchewan rain falls 25 years ago, but has since been stacked in a dry garage.
The wood appears to be structurally sound with no rot. Does anyone know if I need to neutralize the green/blue patches?
Thanks.
Replies
It is really hard to diagnose from a photo. But assuming it doesn't rub off on your hands when you touch it, it could be just regular old spalting. If that's the case, use your regular spalted wood precautions and you should be good. I personally love spalted wood, I think it adds a lot of character and beauty to the wood.
If you don't have spalted wood precautions, here are a few to think about.
1. Wear a respirator / mask, you don't want spalting spores in your lungs
2. Not a great choice for food contact surfaces
3. Do not use for child chewable stuff (toys, kids furniture, etc)
4. Use at least 2 coats of finish
5. Don't use spalted wood chips or shavings for animal bedding
6. Although there is no research supporting it, I like to use oil finishes on spalted wood. It seems like it would kill any residual mold.
Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.
I think it may be fungal staining because the wood is, as far as I can tell, as hard as the non-stained portions. I am unsure about the spalting though; I know next to nothing about Afzelia.
The fungi die after the wood is dry for an extended period.
Wear a mask just as you should to avoid breathing any wood dust.
The air you breathe is full of spores
Spalted wood is not dangerous
http://www.aawcontentsource.org/aaw_cs1_pdf/AW2604p44-51.pdf
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